Moscow Kremlin: Walls, Cathedrals, and History

• The oldest fortifications date back to the 12th century; the walls and towers took on their present appearance over several phases of construction.
• Cathedral Square brings together churches built over several centuries for different purposes.
• The Kremlin and Red Square have been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1990.
• According to the museum’s website, the Armoury ticket currently also includes access to the Kremlin grounds.
• The Diamond Fund is administered separately and requires a separate ticket.
• The Armoury is closed on Thursdays; admission is at set time slots.

The Kremlin’s first fortifications were built on Borovitsky Hill, on the banks of the Moskva River. Over the centuries, the original fortified enclosure developed into a residence and administrative center. The walls and towers were rebuilt several times, while churches, palaces, and government buildings were added in different phases of construction. The ensemble is therefore not a single, unified complex from one century.

Cathedral Square reveals the religious and ceremonial role of the seat of power. The Cathedral of the Dormition was built between 1475 and 1479 by the Italian architect Aristotele Fioravanti. Pskov masters built the Cathedral of the Annunciation between 1484 and 1489; the Italian architect Aleviz Novy worked on the Cathedral of the Archangel between 1505 and 1508. The Italian architects Marco Fryazin and Pietro Antonio Solari created the Palace of Facets between 1487 and 1491. The Senate, Arsenal, and Grand Kremlin Palace represent later government uses.

The Armoury houses royal regalia, ceremonial weapons, carriages, and collections of decorative arts. Its treasures include ten imperial Easter eggs made by the Fabergé workshop. As of October 25, 2026, visiting hours are set for 10:00, 12:00, 14:30, and 16:30; the Armoury is closed on Thursdays. According to the museum’s website, the ticket includes admission to the Armoury and the Kremlin grounds. Photography and video recording are prohibited in the Armoury.

The Diamond Fund is a separate exhibition run by the state-run Gokhran and has a separate entrance; both attractions are in the same building complex but have different ticketing arrangements.

The Kremlin is on the left bank of the Moskva River in the center of Moscow; Red Square lies to the east. Together, they have been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1990. Moscow’s museums include other collections across the city. The Lenin Mausoleum stands beside the Kremlin wall on Red Square; shopping in central Moscow can be planned as a separate activity.

Moscow’s railway stations are spread across several districts; the journey to the Kremlin depends on which station you arrive at. Accommodation in the city center is a convenient base for a cultural stay. When traveling by public transport, allow time for getting around the city center. Your travel plans should take into account your booked admission time and the security screening; security information for Russia is important for your journey and stay.

German bank cards and payment apps do not work in Russia; cash withdrawals using German cards are also unavailable.

Tickets for the Armoury are available through the Moscow Kremlin Museums.

Which entrance do you use to reach the Armoury?

The Armoury is accessed through the Borovitsky Tower.

When did the Kremlin and Red Square become a World Heritage Site?

UNESCO added the ensemble to its World Heritage List in 1990.

What does the Armoury ticket include?

The official ticket information includes admission to the Armoury and the Kremlin grounds; set admission times structure the museum visit.

Can you take photographs in the Armoury?

No. Photography and video recording are prohibited in the Armoury.

Is the Diamond Fund included in the Armoury ticket?

No. The Diamond Fund is administered separately by Gokhran and requires its own ticket.